‘Glastonbury for birdwatchers’ returns to Rutland

Birdfair 2014 at Rutland water. Visitots trying out the new optical equiptment on offer EMN-140816-201419009

Published:11:00Sunday 16 August 2015

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The 27th British Birdwatching Fair will be held at Rutland Water next weekend.

The event, known as the Birdwatchers’ Glastonbury, is jointly organised by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and the RSPB and raises thousands of pounds for conservation projects.

The event, which runs from Friday, August 21, to Sunday, August 23,encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry.

There will be hundreds of stands selling the latest products for wildlife enthusiasts, everything, from scopes to sculptures, binoculars to bird food, eGuides to eco-holidays.

Birdfair 2015 will be hosted by regulars Chris Packham, Simon King, Mike Dilger and David Lindo and many more.

With six marquees all running full programmes throughout the fair’s duration, there is something for everyone to get excited about.

New for this year is Cook Street - an exciting collaboration of artisan food operators selling tasty dishes outside.

Birdfair 2015’s fundraising project will be ‘Hope for migratory birds in the Eastern Mediterranean: action against illegal killing’. The aim of the project will be to reduce the scale and impact of illegal killing of migratory birds, and to improve protection and laws throughout the region.

Expected to prove as popular as ever, presenter and author Bill Oddie will once again be making appearances at Birdfair and speaking on the issue.

Tim Appleton, Birdfair co-organiser and reserve manager at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, said: “I am delighted that through Birdfair we can highlight the major issues for migrating birds in this region of the Eastern Mediterranean, millions of birds are being slaughtered illegally as they fly to their breeding grounds and then return to their wintering grounds.”

To find out more about Birdfair 2015 or to buy tickets for the event, visit www.birdfair.org.uk. Discounted tickets are available online until Wednesday or full-priced tickets can be bought on the gate at £15 per day or £35 for a three day ticket.